Hypothyroidism Treatment Options – Keeping The Condition Under Control


The condition of hypothyroidism is caused by a malfunctioning thyroid gland, which fails to produce the required quantities of the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). If you’ve been affected by this condition, you must begin hypothyroidism treatment at the earliest to avoid the possibility of the condition turning fatal.

The first thing to know here is that hypothyroidism is a lifelong condition, unless of course it is from the fallout of another medical condition such as pregnancy. For this reason, the treatment will have to be continued throughout the course of your life. The good news is that with an accurate diagnosis and treatment option, the condition can be kept under control.

hypothyroidism treatment
Hypothyroidism treatment mainly involves the administration of thyroid replacement hormones.

Hypothyroidism Treatment – Commonly Recommended Options

Hypothyroidism treatment involves the administration of the levorotatory forms of the thyroid hormones. These forms are called levothyroxine (L-T4) and liothyronine (L-T3). Your doctor will prescribe the type and dosage of these thyroid-replacement hormones based on factors like your age and the severity of your condition. He might also vary the dosage from time to time depending on the response of your body.

Based on the results of your diagnostic lab tests as well as the clinical hypothyroidism symptoms you experience, the doctor might recommend one of the following three options for hypothyroidism treatment.

  • Administration of the synthetic form of levothyroxine
  • A combination therapy involving the natural forms of L-T4, L-T3, L-T2, and L-T1, all of which are animal-based extracts collectively known as dessicated thyroid extract
  • The simultaneous administration of L-T4 and L-T3 in their synthetic form

Hypothyroidism Treatment – Some Special Cases

Here are a few special cases in which hypothyroidism treatment deviates from its normal course.

  • Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

    If you have this form of hypothyroidism, you might not require treatment for life, as there is some possibility that your thyroid function will eventually return to normal.

  • Pregnancy And Other Medical Reasons

    If your hypothyroidism has been triggered by pregnancy, childbirth, infections, illnesses, or any other medical condition, the malfunctioning state of your thyroid gland could be temporary. Subsequently, when your body resumes normal function, your thyroid gland might do the same.

  • Subclinical Hypothyroidism

    If this is the condition you’ve been affected by, your doctor might decide to simply monitor your condition to see if it worsens, because treatment in this case carries some risks.

    If he does decide to proceed with treatment, he will keep you informed about the pros and cons of taking hypothyroidism treatment.

In the early stages of hypothyroidism treatment, your doctor will monitor your thyroid gland function every 2 or 3 months. Once he has finalized the dosage of medication based on your body’s response, he is likely to monitor it once a year.

In the initial months, when the doctor is yet to finalize the dosage of the replacement hormone, you might experience certain side effects caused by excessive amounts of it. These side effects include shakiness, heart palpitations, insomnia, and increased appetite.

Three Important Tips For Hypothyroidism Treatment

  • If you start seeing a reduction in symptoms and a general improvement in your health after starting treatment, do not stop taking the medication.
  • Consult your doctor before changing the brand of the medication.
  • Do not skip even a single dose of the medicine or alter it in any way.

With hypothyroidism treatment, you’ll gradually see a decrease in your symptoms. Once your doctor has determined the right dosage of the replacement hormones, it will not be difficult to keep your condition under control. Of course, this is only as long as you strictly follow your doctor’s advice. Also, following a hypothyroidism diet helps reduce the symptoms faster.


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